In order to assist with the difficult decisions public libraries must make prior to reopening, the New Jersey State Library has assembled a number of resources to help guide your decision making and process.  There are many recommendations to consider, and much preparation and work to do before reopening your library during the  current pandemic. All libraries should have a written plan in place for a staged reopening that has been approved by your Board of Trustees and vetted by your local municipality and ...Continue Reading

As you may have heard, the NJ State Library is offering READsquarded online reading program software to NJ public libraries as part of a 2-year contract. It offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs and other reading and learning programs, as well as readers’ advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. Here is the sign-up portal where you can register your library for READsquared: http://www.readsquared.com/NJ Once READsquared receives your sign-up request, your lib ...Continue Reading

*The New Jersey State Library is pleased to offer READ**squared** at NO COST to public libraries statewide!* */READsquared/* is an online reading program solution. This powerful application offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs and other reading and learning programs, as well as readers’ advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. *Use this link to sign up for* *READsquared for your library:* http://www.readsquared.com/NJ *Sign up for free training dates on how to se ...Continue Reading

*The New Jersey State Library is pleased to offer READsquared at NO COST to public libraries statewide!* READsquared is an online reading program solution. This powerful application offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs and other reading and learning programs, as well as readers’ advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. For more information about READsquared: https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/New-Jersey-State-Library-READsquared-Annoucement.pdf& ...Continue Reading

Join Attorney Michael A. Cerone, Jr., Esq. and Bob Keith, Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics from the New Jersey State Library, for a panel discussion followed by a question and answer period. This program is sponsored by the New Jersey Library Trustee Association.  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h3LQYmwYRKWVYpXu0r9t5A ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleauges, The New Jersey State Library is collecting information about staffing in NJ libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are asking you to complete the following survey and to resubmit it if there are any updates in the future.  For the first round of responses, please complete the following short survey by Friday, April 24. https://www.njstatelib.org/new-jersey-libraries-staffing-during-covid-19/ If you have questions or concerns, please contact Nayomi Torres-Velez at ntorresve ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The guidance below comes from the Division of Local Government Services.  It mostly pertains to municipal government but may be of some use to public libraries as well. Local Operational Guidance- COVID-19: Guidance to Facilitate Continuity of Operations https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/pdf/Local_Operational_Guidance-COVID-19.pdf Best regards, Bob Keith ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please visit the following link for COVID-19 related procurement guidance from the Division of Local Government Services. https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/lfns/20/2020-10.pdf Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2650 rkeith@PROTECTED The above information does not constitute legal advice or op ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The New Jersey Library Trustee Association has posted the recorded Open Public Meetings Act Webinar with Michael Cerone.  You may stream it at https://www.njlibrarytrustees.org/content/library-boards-and-open-public-meetings-act-0  Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2650 rkeith@PROTECT ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please remember that the Financial Disclosure Statement is still due by April 30, 2020.  The following Local Finance Notice has all the details to help you file. https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/lfns/20/2020-04.pdf Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2650 rkeith@PROTECTED The above infor ...Continue Reading